Gonzales in Ascension Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

Star Spangled Banner

May 7, 2016

1. Star Spangled Banner Marker

Inscription.

"AND THE ROCKETS' RED GLARE, THE BOMBS BURSTING IN AIR, GAVE PROOF THROUGH THE NIGHT THAT OUR FLAG WAS STILL THERE."

---“Star Spangled Banner" By Francis Scott Key

In September 1814, an American lawyer named Francis Scott Key was sent to secure the release of his friend from the British fleet in Chesapeake Bay. Key was detained by the British during their bombing of Fort McHenry, one of the forts protecting Baltimore. After suffering continuous bombardment on the night of September 13 and the early morning hours of September 14, the fort did not fall into British hands. Francis Scott Key was so moved when he looked out to see that the American flag was still standing over the fort that he wrote the words to the “Star Spangled Banner." Key actually set the lyrics to the tune of an English drinking song, "To Anacreon in Heaven." Key's song became very popular throughout the country, and Congress officially adopted it as the national anthem in 1931.

Location. 30° 13.691′ N, 90° 54.807′ W. Marker is in Gonzales, Louisiana, in Ascension Parish. Marker can be reached from South Irma Boulevard near East Worthey Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gonzales LA 70737, United States of America.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 10, 2018. This page originally submitted on March 10, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 58 times since then. Photos:1, 2. submitted on March 10, 2018.